7 of the Best Swimming Holes in & Around Austin

There’s no denying it: summer is sizzling in Austin. But luckily, Mother Nature helps out with a number of splashy swimming holes that offer a fun way to cool off. Shake the summer heat at some of the best swimming holes found in and around Austin:

Drive 45 minutes south of Austin to reach the glorious Blue Hole, located just outside of Wimberley. The crystal-clear waters of Blue Hole stay an ideal 75 degrees all year round, and are shaded by towering cypress trees. Manicured waterside lawns are the perfect place to spread out a blanket and crack open your cooler. Rope swings hanging from the trees complete the quintessential water hole experience. Admittance is limited, so come early.

The huge Deep Eddy Pool is the state’s oldest pool, and offers a traditional public pool experience in the center of Austin. Catch the poolside fun during Splash Party Movie Nights, when family-friendly films are projected on an inflatable screen.

Located a 40-minute drive from Austin in Texas Hill Country, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a geological wonder. This historic swimming hole was formed by the Hamilton Creek spilling out over limestone outcroppings, creating a dramatic 50-foot waterfall that plunges into a canyon. Reservations are required from May through September.

Krause Springs, a well-loved swimming and camping site, is located in Spicewood, just 30 miles west of Austin in beautiful Texas Hill Country. The friendly Krause family has privately owned the site for more than 50 years. Spend the day swimming in its 32 springs, as well as natural and man-made pools. And be sure to take a walk through the colorful Butterfly Gardens.

Combine great swimming with people watching at the historic Barton Springs Pool, just minutes from downtown Austin. Located in the heart of the 360-acre Zilker Park, this swimmer’s paradise features clear water fed from underground springs that stays a refreshing 68 degrees year ‘round, along with grassy hills for sunbathing. Lines may get long on hot days, so arrive early if you can

The Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls areas of the Barton Creek Greenbelt are hidden local secrets. It’s about a half-mile hike on a well-defined trail to reach Twin Falls from the closest entrance. But once you arrive you’ll be treated to relaxing shallow stream waters, although there are plenty of rocky areas for adventurous climbing and exploring the falls. Hike a mile further and you’ll reach Sculpture Falls, another hidden gem watering hole.

Swim in an artesian spring just 40 minutes outside of Austin at Jacob's Well Natural Area. The cool, clear water is surrounded by rocky ledges and shady trees, creating a picture-perfect swimming hole. Jacob’s Well does fill up quickly, and reservations are needed to swim.

Christine Felton

Christine is a Marketing Manager at Visit Austin. She is a graduate of the University of Texas, proud South Austin resident and native Texan. She is passionate about travel, classic film, grammar, queso fries and live music. On the weekends, you may find her in a nearby yoga studio, exploring a local nature preserve or visiting a craft brewery with friends.